Environmental conservation and reducing atmospheric emissions are top priorities for the city of Edmonton. Local authorities and environmental organizations are actively implementing modern solutions for waste management, sustainable development, and nature protection. The city is rolling out numerous initiatives and projects designed to improve the local environment and boost the quality of life for its residents. Read more about Edmonton’s leading environmental organizations and their work at edmonton.name.
Edmonton & Area Land Trust (EALT)
The Edmonton & Area Land Trust (EALT) is dedicated to conserving and managing natural spaces across the region. The organization places a strong focus on protected lands and volunteer engagement. Thanks to EALT, the public now has access to 22 natural areas around Edmonton, most of which are open for community use. The organization’s core mission is to protect these lands, preserve biodiversity, and reconnect people with nature. The EALT team holds a deep respect for the land, its ecosystems, and the flora and fauna of local parklands and boreal forests. Every day, they work hard to honour the trust placed in them by volunteers and partners.
EALT acquires ecologically significant lands through purchases or donations, safeguarding them from destruction and urban development. The trust also actively manages its properties, which involves:
- Controlling invasive species.
- Restoring ecosystems.
- Building infrastructure to support responsible public access.
The organization works closely with local communities and partners to build a robust network of protected natural areas around Edmonton.
Climate Justice Edmonton
Climate Justice Edmonton is an Edmonton-based collective dedicated to social, environmental, and climate justice. It strives to empower individuals and communities to take meaningful climate action, support Indigenous resistance, and push back against harmful corporate and political practices.
The collective collaborates with community members and other grassroots groups to challenge the oppressive and colonial structures driving climate change. Using tactics like street theatre, banner drops, marches, and protests, the group defends nature and brings urgent attention to the climate crisis.
The core mission of Climate Justice Edmonton is to drive the movement for social, environmental, and climate justice.
The organization’s main goals include:
- Pushing Alberta to halt the expansion of oil sands extraction and begin a necessary, just transition toward a renewable energy economy.
- Promoting community-owned renewable energy projects that are accessible to everyone.
- Ensuring support and stability for workers before, during, and after this economic transition.
- Prioritizing the interests of people and the planet over those of shareholders and corporate executives.
- Recognizing the intersection of social and environmental justice, believing that the fight against climate change is impossible without protecting human rights.
- Tying their work closely to the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and supporting resistance against environmentally destructive projects on Indigenous lands.
Climate Justice Edmonton organizes Climate Camps and picnics, where they teach Edmontonians collective action skills and ways to protect themselves from climate impacts, such as wildfire smoke and extreme heat. The organization also advocates for free, electrified public transit to curb the city’s harmful emissions.
The Biosphere Eco-City (BEC)
The Biosphere Eco-City (BEC) is a sustainability initiative designed to engage Edmontonians and local organizations in modern environmental conservation. At the heart of this model is the goal of making sustainable living a seamless part of local culture. It achieves this through 10 core sustainability themes and specialized engagement tools.
The Biosphere Eco-City breaks environmental protection down into 10 key areas:
- Shifting to public transit, cycling, and walking to reduce emissions.
- Improving building energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, and reducing overall energy consumption.
- Implementing eco-friendly planning for buildings and urban infrastructure, including the creation of green roofs.
- Protecting and restoring wildlife habitats, planting native vegetation, and creating pollinator gardens.
- Supporting local farmers, establishing community gardens, and cutting down on food waste.
- Conserving the quality of soil, air, and water as vital life-sustaining resources.
- Adopting circular economy principles and ensuring the proper disposal of hazardous materials.
- Fostering clean living environments, fighting air pollution, and ensuring equitable access to natural spaces.
- Promoting low-impact outdoor recreation like hiking, paddling, and hosting eco-friendly events.
- Cultivating a strong sense of local pride to motivate residents to care for and protect their region.
According to the initiative’s official website, anyone can get involved and volunteer, making a meaningful contribution to environmental protection and conservation.
Alberta Environmental Network (AEN)
Since 1980, the Alberta Environmental Network (AEN) has been bringing together Albertans and environmental groups dedicated to protecting and preserving the province’s natural environment. The network’s primary goal is to strengthen Alberta’s environmental community by tackling ecological issues and inspiring action among both residents and government officials.
AEN is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects individuals and groups across Alberta. Its members actively work on critical issues such as biodiversity, nature conservation, and air and water quality.
The network fosters collaboration by sharing information and resources, building capacity through education, and facilitating dialogue with the government and key stakeholders.
AEN protects the environment through several key initiatives:
- Defend Alberta Parks: Successfully mobilized over 20,000 citizens to prevent the removal of 174 parks from the provincial protected areas system in 2020.
- Alberta Beyond Coal: A campaign protesting open-pit coal mining in the Rockies to protect vital river headwaters.
- Polluter Pays: Advocating for reforms that require oil and gas companies to cover the cleanup costs of orphaned and abandoned wells, rather than passing the bill onto taxpayers.
Swim Drink Fish Canada
Swim Drink Fish Canada is a charity with a clear mission: ensuring water bodies are clean enough for safe swimming and fishing. Since 2001, the organization has used science, law, and storytelling to protect Canada’s water resources.
Their water conservation efforts are carried out in stages:
- Conducting regular water quality testing in areas not monitored by government agencies.
- Publishing the results in an open-access format so the public can make informed decisions about swimming safety.
- Leveraging legal mechanisms to hold polluters accountable and push for stricter environmental laws.
- Leading shoreline cleanup projects to remove plastic and litter, alongside broader ecosystem restoration efforts.
Edmonton’s environmental organizations play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future for the city and the entire province of Alberta. Their work spans a wide range of focus areas—from conserving natural spaces and protecting biodiversity to advancing climate justice, developing renewable energy, and improving water quality.